FCI 2/2/235 · Country of origin Germany
Great Dane
The Great Dane, despite its name, traces its lineage to ancient mastiff-type dogs; German breeders refined it in the 19th century into a powerful hunting and guard dog. Originally employed for boar hunting and estate protection, it is characterized by its towering height, muscular frame, and short, smooth coat in various colors (fawn, blue, brindle, or black). Today’s Dane is a gentle, affectionate, and loyal companion, but due to its size, it requires consistent training, early socialization, and ample space and exercise.
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A descendant of the old German boarhounds used to hunt wild boar. In the second half of the 19th century the hunter became a dog of prestige and guard duty; in 1878 the various types were unified under one name and Germany declared it a national breed.
Friendly, affectionate and devoted to its owners. Reserved with strangers, but the standard asks for a confident, fearless and docile family dog with high resistance to provocation and no aggression. Despite its size this is a dog for the house, not the yard.
The short coat is undemanding. What is demanding is growth: it must not be overworked or overfed while growing, or the joints pay for it. It needs a soft bed, warmth and meals split into several portions.
The deep chest means a high risk of gastric torsion — a life-threatening emergency whose signs the owner must know. Dilated cardiomyopathy is screened by echocardiography, along with hip dysplasia and bone disease during growth.
For a house with space and for a family that accepts a short time together — the breed lives under ten years. Reservations for a first-time owner, chiefly for size and cost.
Companion, watch and guard dog.
Family companion and watchdog.
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